Training on climate change and adaptation concludes

Nauni (Himachal Pradesh): The Directorate of Extension Education of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni organized a three day training on Climate Change and Adaptation in  collaboration with MANAGE-Hyderabad. The training was attended by 111 participants which included 54 faculty and 10 students from the university. Among the participants were 25 scientists, 12 Subject Matter Specialists and 10 students who belonged to different parts of the country including Andaman, J&K, Assam, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra.

Dr. Parvinder Kaushal, Vice Chancellor was the Chief Guest during the valedictory function while Dr. P Chandra Shekhara, Director MANAGE was the Guest of honour. Dr. Divender Gupta, Director Extension Education, Course director Dr N Bala Subramani, Director CCA Division, Hyderabad; Dr CL Thakur Joint Director (Training) and Dr Parminder Kaur Baweja attended the meeting.  

Dr. Baweja welcomed the chief guest and the participants. Explaining about the training, Dr CL Thakur, said that the training covered basic concepts of developing meteorological data bases and management delivered by Dr AVM Subha Rao from CRIDA-Hyderabad. The other topics included climate change scenario over Western Himalayas, climate change scenario and its consequences, temperature and rainfall pattern and basic concepts of climate change especially global warming, and role of meteorological tools under changing climate.

Some of the other topics included Impact of climate change on air, soil, water quality and fungal and viral diseases of horticultural crops. Besides the participants were also apprised about the vulnerability and adaptability of horticultural crops to changing climatic conditions in Himalayan terrain regions, climate change and pest management, climate change scenario and Horticulture business in COVID-19 pandemic. The extension strategies for promoting climate smart agriculture were taken up during the training.

Addressing the participants, Dr Kaushal said that it was great to see such a diverse gathering of scientists, students and professionals from the line department attending this workshop which covered topics of immense importance related to agriculture, horticulture and allied disciplines. He laid emphasis on Climate Smart Agriculture technologies and devising adaptation strategies to deal with the impacts of climate change on these ecosystems. Dr Kaushal said that the university would like to collaborate in more such trainings and programmes run by MANAGE.  

Speaking about climate smart agriculture technologies Dr P Chandra Shekhara said that all Climate technologies must become a part of the Package of Practices so that it can reach the hands of the extension personnel for better circulation. Dr. Gupta also spoke about the importance of training resource persons and research students. He also talked about the various extension activities being done by the university.